Crazy School Days

Last week we had some Crazy spirit days at school. N liked crazy hat day and Crazy hair day. He was very creative with his hats. I think he wore everyone he owned. For crazy hair day he spiked his hair and wanted to wear his hair that way from now on, but was nixed by his dad who said it was distracting.

Ja we just did half her hair braided and M requested a straight up pony tail but this is the best we could do.

Ju didn't feel she had to participate which made it easier. She was excited about getting ready for Grandma's Halloween party.

Our Sextet

For family home evening a few weeks ago we had the privilege of hearing our family sextet. It wasn't beautiful but it was sure fun. Eat your heart out 5 browns. We don't even need separate pianos. Now I know what you're thinking. It could have been a septet if I had joined in, but someone had to take the picture and keep their sanity.

We do have a duet practicing at our house. Janae and Nathan are practicing their Christmas duet. It is so fun having Christmas music starting in September. I love good mostly religious Christmas music. It reminds me of participating in choirs when I was younger. Since that isn't possible, I have no problem playing our John Rutter Christmas music before Halloween. One can dream of the most beautiful choir in all the world.

God gave us families

God gave us families

To help us become what he wants us to be

This is how he shares his love

For the family is of God

A few weeks ago the children presented their program My Eternal Family at church. Everyone did their parts so well. It was so cute to see Marianne and Julene sing their songs. They particularly sang the chorus to the one above with lots of enthusiasm.

I really like it too. It really comforts me know that I am doing a great work being a mother and striving to raise a righteous family. This is what God wants me to be.

We are also striving to have a more loving home by following the council of Elder Bednar in General Conference last week.

"We should remember that saying “I love you” is only a beginning. We need to say it, we need to mean it, and most importantly we need consistently to show it. We need to both express and demonstrate love."

We are first starting with saying we love you to each other and adding simply ways to show it. We have already seen some blessings from just a week of being more conscious of saying "I love you" and giving needed hugs and encouragement. There has been more peace, love, and the presence of the Holy Ghost in our home.

We're still continually working on bearing testimony and living it, as well being consistent. Consistency is really the key.

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great”

Going Vertical

He officially walks!!!

About 3 weeks ago we counted 7 steps. We were all so excited to count his steps, that he was counting too. "One, free, four, even" He was still pretty cautious and only walked between furniture and people. But now he goes across the entire room. We are absolutely thrilled! He still seems to think it's pretty neat and has his smile plastered on his sweet face. We are excited for this new phase and still enjoy the imploring look with raised arms when he wants to be carried. It does feel a little strange that we took down the gate blocking the stairs before he was a proficient walker. That just felt a little backwards. I also am surprises by his vocabulary and understanding, because he didn't walk I kept thinking he was younger than his age.

At the beginning of the school year Janae and Marianne got the hair cut short above their shoulders. I think they look so cute. I really haven't taken a good picture of them, but they did get their school pictures taken this week. This is my cute Janae who is growing into a beautiful and kind young lady.